Restorative Justice is our best hope for real transformation. If we truly want criminal justice reform, it is time we focus not just on dismantling the ineffective and destructive criminal justice system, but also start investing in building the infrastructure of a community-based Restorative Justice system.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy, and other top brass at city hall would have you believe that Chicago’s policing and police oversight are the standard of excellence.

They say that police and community relations have improved, the Superintendent just finished a “community listening tour,” the newly-created Independent Police Review Authority (IPRA) is holding police accountable for misconduct, and the Police Board has fired the “bad cops.”

Our communities on the South Side of Chicago experience disproportionate rates of violence and police brutality and we need our elected officials to stand with us for real change. Our efforts to reduce violence and increase police accountability are at a critical moment and we need your voice.

Aldermen and Cook County Commissioners will soon make decisions to commit taxpayer funds and public land in the Illinois Medical District without any accountability from the developers to benefit Westside residents.

Economic development has the potential to strengthen our local communities, but the current system just benefits developers. Crucial issues, such as creating good jobs and housing, are not being considered before a project is approved, while nearby residents have little opportunity for input.

Tania, a single mother of two children, Carlos (6 years old) and Hugo (8 years old) recently lost her child care. The state program that helps low-income and working families with child care costs is out of money.